The Ring magazine is delighted to recognize Bernard Hopkins as the new light heavyweight champion of the world by virtue of his 12-round unanimous decision over Antonio Tarver on June 10, 2006, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Hopkins now joins Bob Fitzsimmons and Dick Tiger as one of only three boxers to win both the undisputed middleweight and undisputed light heavyweight championship,” said Nigel Collins, Editor-in-Chief of The Ring. “This is an extremely rare achievement and the perfect way to end a Hall of Fame career.”

In the near future, Hopkins will be presented with The Ring light heavyweight championship belt in recognition of his latest accomplishment.

“I am extremely humbled to be recognized by The Ring as its new champion in the light heavyweight division,” said Hopkins. To finish my career on top and to complement my win by being honored with this esteemed belt, is nothing short of a dream come true.”

It will be the second Ring belt that Hopkins has won. He was awarded the middleweight championship belt in 2001 after knocking out Felix Trinidad to unify the 160-pound title for the first time since 1987.

The Ring belt has been in existence since 1922 and is only given to undisputed champions.

“Bernard’s pending retirement will bring to a close one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the Sweet Science,” said Collins. “He has set the bar incredibly high for all of those who follow in his footsteps. We may never see his like again.”